An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2534

Chapter 2534

Hearing that, the white chess piece in Dustin’s hand paused briefly before he slowly placed it down. With a smile, he said, “Miss Wynter, I thought you came to exchange chess strategies. I didn’t expect you to be here as a lobbyist.”

“Hehehe… Mr. Rhys, you’re sharp. How did you figure out why I’m really here?” Wynter chuckled without hesitation. “His Highness saved my life and treated me as an honored guest. Of course, I want to repay the favor and help him resolve his troubles. I hope you don’t mind.”

“You’re smart and straightforward, Miss Wynter. That’s rare. Why would I take offense?” Dustin replied with a smile.

He had expected to deal with flattery or hidden motives, but Wynter’s honesty caught him off guard—in a good way.

“To be honest, Mr. Rhys,” Wynter continued as she made another move on the board, “His Highness has never valued anyone as much as he values you. He’s genuinely sincere in wanting to bring you on board. As someone close to him, I’d like to help make that happen. If you agree, I’m willing to meet any conditions you ask.”

As she finished speaking, Wynter looked up slowly, her eyes glowing with a captivating light and irresistible charm.

In the world of elite beauty, appearances alone aren’t enough to stand out—the real difference lies in identity, status, and personal ability.

Wynter was ranked eighth on the Beauty Ranking, and her looks and figure were nearly flawless.

Her gaze was mesmerizing, her eyebrows gently arched, and her nose small and straight, giving her face a refined, sculpted look—like a perfectly carved jade statue.

Her lips were the color of freshly bloomed roses, soft and red, and when she smiled, dimples appeared like hidden wells of tenderness.

Her skin was whiter than snow, glowing with a pearly sheen in the sunlight. She looked elegant and refined, like a fairy stepping out of a painting—stunning enough to take one’s breath away.

Even though Dustin had seen countless beauties, he still found himself momentarily distracted when he met Wynter’s eyes.

There was no doubt—Wynter was both beautiful and enchanting. Every expression, every smile, carried a seductive charm.

And even though he knew it was a carefully played beauty trap, he couldn’t bring himself to resent it.

After all, the matchmaker was refreshingly honest—so honest it was almost convincing.

He had to admit—Nathaniel played this card well.

“Mr. Rhys,” Wynter said as she turned her gaze to the board, “Look at this game—black and white pieces locked in battle. Only by working together can a game be played well. Just like His Highness and you. If you joined forces, you’d definitely gain the upper hand in this ever-changing situation.”

She smiled as she subtly changed the subject, clearly not wanting to press too hard.

“Life is like chess,” Dustin replied with a smile. “Every move must be made carefully. One wrong step can ruin the whole game.”

“There’s nothing wrong with being cautious,” Wynter said, moving her pieces quickly as her offense became more aggressive. “But being too cautious can make you miss out on opportunities—it can backfire.”

She played with precision, setting traps and trying to lure Dustin into a mistake.

“I’ve always been the careful type. I’d rather take no action than make the wrong move,” Dustin replied calmly. He handled each of her attacks with ease, countering at just the right moments.

Slowly, the board started turning in his favor.

Wynter, who had been playing aggressively, now found herself on the defensive.

“Nice move!”

Seeing Dustin’s final play, Wynter’s eyes widened in surprise—but she was genuinely impressed.

She had assumed she was decent at chess, but Dustin proved even better. In just a few moves, he reversed the situation and forced her into a checkmate.

His skill was nothing short of master-level.

“Mr. Rhys, you’re truly a great chess player. I admit defeat.”

Wynter put down her piece and nodded slightly, admiration clear in her eyes.

She had thought Dustin was just a talented warrior, but now she realized he was both strategic and powerful—a true genius in both civil and military matters.

No wonder His Highness valued him so highly.

“Thank you for the compliment, Miss Wynter. I was just lucky,” Dustin said modestly.

“If you’re free tonight, I’d love to keep playing and have a deeper discussion,” Wynter said with a flirtatious smile. “I guarantee—you won’t want to leave.”

There was nothing subtle about her invitation—it was bold and clear.

“Ahem… I don’t usually play chess at night,” Dustin replied, feigning innocence.

“Mr. Rhys, you really know how to flirt,” Wynter said with playful frustration.

It wasn’t often she met a man this handsome, talented, and capable. She didn’t want to let him slip away.

Who knew when she’d meet someone like him again?

Rather than letting some old rich guy have her, she’d rather give herself to the man in front of her.

At least that would make her heart happy.

“Even if you came yourself, Miss Wynter, I’d still make sure you returned empty-handed.”

As he spoke, Dustin pulled out an exquisite jade box and placed it on the table.

“This contains the Dracan essences His Highness wanted. Please deliver it for me. As for my loyalty… I’ll need more time to think it over.”

“Dracan essences?”

Wynter’s eyes lit up.

She had two missions on this trip: to get the Dracan essences, and to recruit Dustin.

She thought both would take time.

But to her surprise, she’d already completed half the task.

At least now, she had something solid to report to His Highness.